THE IONIA COUNTY PEACE COMMUNITY/LA COMUNIDAD de PAZ DEL CONDADO de IONIA welcomes volunteers of all ages who are interested in events and activities that promote a Beloved Community (www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy) where we recognize our
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THE IONIA COUNTY PEACE COMMUNITY/LA COMUNIDAD de PAZ DEL CONDADO de IONIA welcomes volunteers of all ages who are interested in events and activities that promote a Beloved Community (www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy) where we recognize our interdependence and use our diversity and different gifts to enrich the whole.

For more information or to become a member, email ioniacountypeace@gmail.com, call 616-527-7163 or like us on Facebook. Visit our website at ioniacountypeacecommunity.org.

I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Gen. Colin Powell at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant last week, joined by Amy Buckingham and John Kroneck, both of whom are dedicated to promoting wellness for all.

Gen. Powell's visit was the finale of CMU's Martin Luther King Jr. Week celebration. The CMU Army ROTC was there in uniform to show its support and hear him talk as well.

Gen. Powell was an entertaining and engaging speaker. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience, but I would also love to see him present again. It was very obvious that Powell was doing something he was passionate about. He gave us the unique opportunity to learn more about himself as a person and hear his thoughts and insights on leadership, as well as on some tough political and international issues.

I asked Amy and John for their thoughts on the experience, since they went with me, and this is what they said.

“Refreshingly candid. A humorous grandpa.” We talked of Powell's being a pleasant change from the extremist, dramatic demeanor we have seen in the political environment in recent years.

I saw him as a wise leader, one who sees the value in those around him -- all those around him. He seemed to see the importance of valuing everyone’s contribution in the environment around him, not simply the people recognized as being at the top.

He also asked others the questions, “Who do you want to be (individually or as a group, such as department or even the country)?” “Is this the kind of country you really want to have?” He knew that this was what motivated people to change, not external forces to change.

We change most effectively when we assess for ourselves if we are acting in line with what we truly value, if we are the kind of people we truly think we should be.

So I ask you: Who do you want to be? Is this the kind of community you really want to have?

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AMANDA M. CILUFFO, MA, LLPC is a limited license professional therapist who has lived in the Ionia community for the past six years. She has her Master of Arts in Counseling from Central Michigan University. Amanda has worked in the substance abuse and trauma counseling fields and loves being a counselor. She is currently working at United Way Montcalm-Ionia Counties on basic needs programs as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). She enjoys gardening, reading, spending way too much time on the Internet, and meeting the demands of her cat children. Amanda has been working with rescued cats for almost 17 years. Amanda is originally from Boston and feels blessed to have almost all of her family right here in Michigan now. She is an active member of the Ionia County Peace Community.